Steve Wynn wins Everett casino bid

Saturday, June 22, 2013 -- Anonymous (not verified)

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Local Coverage

Sunday, June 23, 2013

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Antonio Planas

Everett voters yesterday overwhelmingly backed Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn’s proposal to bring a $1.2 billion casino to their city in the first such referendum since the state passed its gaming law.

City Clerk Michael Matarazzo said the measure was approved by about 87 percent of the more than 6,000 people who voted. Voters also turned out in high numbers, Matarazzo said.

Workers at all 12 precincts requested additional ballots as voters “steadily” streamed to the polls.

“For a special election, the turnout was excellent,” Matarazzo said last night. “There were folks interested in this issue.”

Voters approved a host community agreement Wynn signed with city officials that calls for $30 million in advance payments to Everett and more than $25 million in annual payments if the casino were to open for business. Wynn’s proposal to build on 37 acres along the Mystic River, once the site of the Monsanto Chemical plant, can now move forward and be submitted to the state Gaming Commission, where it is expected to compete for the lone casino license in the eastern region with Suffolk Downs in East Boston and a Foxwoods Resort-backed casino in Milford.

Resident Frank Nuzzo, 58, who volunteered with Everett United, a local pro-casino group, said cleaning up the city’s blight is one reason he voted for Wynn’s plan.

“It’s going to be a huge upgrade to that area,” he said. “Aesthetically, it will go from an industrial area to a resort area.”

Ken Larson, 49, said he travels to Las Vegas at least once a year to get his gaming fix. But more than his desire to hit the tables, bringing a casino to Everett will benefit its residents, he said.

“It’s great for the economy,” Larson said outside the polls at the Parlin Memorial Library. “If we have to have casinos somewhere, I want it here.”

Others weren’t so enthusiastic about the proposal. One man, who declined to give his name, said he’s scared the casino will drive up rental prices.

“This is a working class town,” he said. “Where will we go?”

Conrad Casarjian, 69, said he had “mixed feelings” on the matter but voted yes because it would give a “big boost” to the economy.

“I’m worried about the traffic situation, which is already a mess,” Casarjian said. “I’m worried about the stuff that comes with casinos, the prostitution, the drugs.”